Screw your puff pieces, let’s get to business.
Offense
Quarterback
Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts has four years left on his contract, and thank the lord for that. Crazier yet, he’ll only be 31 when it does. His backup, Kenny Pickett, started hot against the Commanders before losing his step. Sure, he is a cheap backup, but Tanner McKee has proven himself worthy of the QB2 slot.
Howie: Draft someone cheap, promote McKee, and package Pickett in a trade.
Running Back
Saquon BARKLY, baby! He turns 28 this year, so the Eagles would be wise to manage his workload. For fantasy enthusiasts and Philly faithful alike, it’s worth noting that the NFL leader in carries rarely repeats their success the following year — and with 345 touches last season (1st in the NFL), Barkley could be next.
Kenny Gainwell, meanwhile, could be on the move if someone is willing to pay. The roster thins out pretty quickly thereafter, so something has to be done.
Howie: If Kenny G walks, draft Saquon’s successor and add someone cheap in FA. Or just make yourself RB2 for a bit. With that O-Line, anyone could do the job.
Wide Receiver
The passing game in 2024 was not a problem, and I will die on this hill. When your running back rushes for 2,000 yards and your quarterback adds another 350 on the ground, you won’t need to throw the ball much.
Throw in the fact that AJ Brown still crossed 1,000 yards, and you can kiss the haters goodbye. Jahan Dotson looks like everything Quez Watkins could not live up to, so we are in great shape here.
Howie: Sit back and soak up the fruits of your labor.
Tight End
It’s a tough call here, as Dallas Goedert is one of the best tight ends in the game. His highlights span from kickstarting the Eagles’ season as the Saints’ YAC daddy to going Beastmode against the Packers in the playoffs. He could be a massively valuable trade piece if the Eagles have faith in Calcaterra being TE1, but he won’t demand Milton Williams-level money.
Howie: Pay the guy, maybe play around with his contract, but keep Goedert here.
Offensive Line
Lane Johnson is committed to running it back, Mailata is taking the reigns as the captain of this line, and Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson are rising stars. The odd man out is Mekhi Becton, whose resurrection at the hands of Pope Jeff Stoutland II could prompt suitors from outside the league. But Mekhi, if you are reading this (BIG fan, by the way), you found your home!
Surely, this man’s darling moment being driven to tears, a Super Bowl champion forever, while sprinkling his child with midnight green confetti was enough to inspire setting some roots. You can see where I’m going with this one.
Howie: Feed the media some awful rumor about Becton, so teams don’t come calling. Also, guys, we are OBVIOUSLY drafting a tackle in the first round.
Defense
Cornerback
First things first — this unit is set for a while. Between Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Kelee Ringo, they have age on their side and talent to spare. James Bradberry can kick rocks, but Darius Slay has made it clear he is open to staying that or reuniting with Detroit. At 34, it’s worth letting him pass the torch. So what’s the move?
Howie: Retain Slay so he retires an Eagle, giving the corners a veteran who can fade into the background while continuing to mentor our young, rising stars.
Safety
Love him or hate him, C. J. Gardner-Johnson is an Eagle. I always wanted the Birds to get Tyrann Mathieu since he came out of LSU, but CJGJ is a honeybadger if we’ve ever seen one. Throw in exciting white part dos in Reed Blankenship, and this squad should be fine for a while.
Howie: Go file your taxes or something. You did good, kid.
Linebacker
Now, HERE is where things get interesting. Zach Baun could command a significant payday, and Nakobe Dean’s 2025 status is questionable. They might have something cooking in Jeremiah Trotter Jr., but after that, things get bleak. However, Howie has famously devalued this spot.
In contrast, Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme puts a premium on linebackers — but was Baun elite or a product of circumstance?
Howie: Re-sign Baun. He will be taking a LOT of calls, but you cannot weigh his impact on the field against a cost-saving decision.
Defensive End
Josh Sweat is probably gone, much as I will always love him. Nolan Smith could be the heir apparent, having shined in the back half of the season. That said, it’s time for some brutal honesty: he delivered against a porous Chiefs offensive line. Bryce Huff is a financial and athletic liability, but at his price tag, the Eagles are practically forced to give him another year. If he can command some return on a trade, Howie can’t let the call go to voicemail.
Brandon Graham has not called out playing in 2025, but surely the man will retire after winning the big one, no? So many pieces could be gone, and the draft is not ripe for the position…
Howie: DO IT. MAKE MYLES GARRETT A PHILADELPHIA EAGLE. Mark my words, it is happening.
Defensive Tackle
Jalen Carter is a world-ender. If he was in the Avengers, he’d be Thanos. If he was in the Bible, he’d be Old Testament God. If he was in Power Rangers, he’d be the Mighty Morphin (?) they all turn into when they merge those ships they all ride in (I didn’t watch much Power Rangers).
I love him. To his right, Jordan Davis has one more year on his rookie deal — a decision needn’t be made immediately, but depending on how the run-stopper can perform in the pass-rush game, Howie has options here.
Howie: Attack the trenches in the draft; add your guy here.
Special Teams
If you are reading a free agency breakdown of the Eagles’ special teams room in February, you are my favorite kind of sicko.
That said, there’s actually nothing to report here! This unit is expected to run it back. Howie, don’t you move a muscle.
GO BIRDS!
PHOTO: Kirby Lee/Imagn Images
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